Firm Friendships Celebrated on International Day

International Day of Friendship on Thursday 30 July will have special meaning for two residents living at Mercy Place Lathlain.

That’s because, despite being nonagenarians, residents of the not-for-profit home Joe Cilli and James Tally are living proof that age is never a barrier to making new friendships.

95-year-old Joe and 92-year-old James met at Mercy Place Lathlain earlier this year, and by their own admission immediately connected and got on ‘like a house on fire’.

“We spend a lot of time together and enjoy similar activities,” says Joe who arrived at Fremantle from Italy on 7 December 1932 as an eight-year-old.  “We also have quite a lot in common, having both immigrated to Australia from different countries, and we also both worked as drivers for a while in Perth, I was a truck driver and James drove buses.”

Similarly, James arrived at Fremantle in 1953 from County Tyrone in Northern Ireland.  The then 24-year-old recalls finding a job as a farmhand the day he arrived, when he stopped off to have a drink in the local pub after the long sea journey.

“I remember the voyage very well, I came with my mate and we both paid £70 to get to Australia, says the 92-year-old.  “I’d say it was the best decision I’ve ever made. I’ve had a wonderful life, and I’m very happy here at Mercy Place Lathlain.

“Making friends with Joe has been a wonderful thing, we look after each other and enjoy spending time together. We’ve both had long lives and are never stuck for things to talk about. 

Mercy Place Lathlain Service Manager, Mark Flores, says everyone at the not-for-profit home was delighted that James and Joe had developed a firm friendship since the start of the year.

“It is heart-warming to see the companionship that has developed between the pair since moving into the home,” he says. 

“We’re fortunate at Mercy Place Lathlain in that many of our seniors have formed strong bonds with fellow residents, and as a result we have a close-knit community where seniors genuinely enjoy each other’s company and friendships flourish.”

International Day of Friendship is a United Nations day that promotes the role that friendship plays in promoting peace in many cultures. It is observed on July 30 each year.

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